Porsche has announced it is developing a second version of the Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid which will compete in this year's Nurburgring 24 Hour race. The new version will be re-engineered to use less fuel as well as offer more power from the electric motors.

The Porsche 911 GT3 R Hybrid Version 2.0 will be largely based on last year's model and will feature the 4.0-litre flat-six engine which outputs 350kW of power. The engine will continue to power the rear wheels while two electric motors will be used to power the front wheels. The electric motors at the front will be revised to produce 75kW of power each instead of 60kW of the previous version.

The other main difference with the new hybrid system is that the flywheel accumulator and other hybrid system components will be housed in a new carbon fibre safety cell positioned in the passenger-side area of the interior. This means these components, previously exposed to heat, won't need to be cooled by aerodynamic-hindering large vents in the rear haunches. This means Version 2.0 will more slippery through the air.

(2010 model above with side vents in front of the rear wheels)

Porsche says the additional power of the electric motors will also be available through the use of the accelerator pedal in either automatic or manual mode. Once the driver pushes the pedal past a certain point, the electric power will kick in and provide improved overtaking capabilities and help to pull the car out of corners.

Porsche also managed to reduce the overall weight of the new car, from 1350kg to 1300kg, meaning, with more power and less weight, Version 2.0 should be a much more competitive package at this year's race in June.